The Philippine Coast Guard accused the Chinese Navy of dangerous flight maneuvers Tuesday after it flew near a government plane patrolling a disputed Shoal in the South China Sea.

The Coast Guard said that "this reckless action presented a serious threat to the safety and security of both the pilots as well as the passengers."

The Philippine Coast Guard said that the government fisheries plane was performing what they called a maritime awareness flight over Scarborough Shoal on Tuesday, a rocky island and prime fishing spot located within the Philippines' exclusive economy zone.

The Chinese Ministry of Defense did not respond immediately to a comment request.

The People's Liberation Army Navy's helicopter flew within three metres of the aircraft. According to the Philippine Coast Guard, this was "a clear violation and blatant disrespect" of aviation regulations.

The Scarborough Shoal, named after a British vessel that grounded on the atoll almost three centuries ago is one of South China Sea's most contested features, where Beijing has clashed with Manila repeatedly.

China asserts sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea. This is a crucial waterway that facilitates more than $3 trillion in annual shipborne commerce. It puts it at odds Brunei Indonesia Malaysia the Philippines and Vietnam. Beijing refuses to recognise a 2016 arbitration ruling that invalidated China's expansive claims.

(source: Reuters)